Frozen eggs kept for later IVF use is a godsend for many of us juggling demanding careers. In fact, companies like Apple and Facebook have offered to freeze eggs for the women they employ. A recent study, however, has called to question, the effectiveness of this option.
A study compared IVF outcomes between fresh and frozen eggs
IVF is mainly done using fresh donor eggs or oocytes that are implanted in the uterus almost immediately upon forming an embryo. The practice of oocyte cryopreservation has only recently risen above experimental status, and needs further clinical evidence before universal egg banks could be recommended. The study surveyed the data published in a 2013 annual report published by the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology, that reported IVF outcomes volunteered by 380 of 467 U.S. fertility centers. Of the total number of oocyte donations reported, 20% represented those of cryopreserved oocytes. Although the cycle cancellation rates¾ the rate of cancelling the IVF protocol due to likelihood of a failed outcome¾were slightly lower in the cryopreserved eggs, the fresh eggs had 56% live birth rates when compared to 47% for the frozen ones.
Why do frozen eggs have lower birth dates?
One of the main reasons why frozen eggs do not always make the cut is that they are poorer in quality due to the freeze-and-thaw cycles they undergo. Another reason could the low opportunity for proper embryo selection because, usually donated frozen eggs are fewer in number than fresh eggs. Despite these differences, the IVF outcomes of the study seem to reflect fairly high birth rates for both fresh and frozen eggs. It must also be noted that this study did not account for the donor and recipient ages or for their fertility status.
Freezing eggs might not be the worst option
The lower birth rate with frozen eggs does not signal the doom for this procedure. When viewed with supplementary evidence that recommends early retrieval of eggs for greater IVF success, this statistic merely suggests that women need to be counseled about the odds from both sides. For instance, freezing eggs could be the best alternative for people planning to undergo treatments like chemotherapy, which could be toxic to eggs.
MUSIO is great for a sub child AND he looks like an egg:
Frozen Eggs for IVF Have Lower Chances of Live Births
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